This morning, both the Botswana Film Association (BFA) and the Botswana Screen Society (BSS) issued a joint statement demanding the immediate termination of the Steve Harvey Global production deal, which was awarded to Botswana Ignite. The production company, led by internationally renowned TV host Steve Harvey, was granted a substantial tender worth over P500 million to produce local film content and help develop the entertainment industry in Botswana.
The move comes after rising frustration within the local film community over the perceived lack of support for homegrown production houses. Many in the industry believe that the deal primarily benefits external interests while leaving local filmmakers with limited opportunities for growth and recognition.
Mandla Mogomotsi, the spokesperson for the Botswana Film Association, was vocal in his criticism of the project. Speaking to the media this morning, he argued that Botswana Ignite’s projects do not offer tangible benefits to the local film industry. “This deal is a waste of taxpayers’ money,” Mogomotsi said, emphasizing that the investment should have been directed towards empowering local filmmakers rather than supporting a foreign company’s interests.
Mogomotsi also revealed that the association was presented with ultimatums under the impression that failing to support the Steve Harvey initiative would be seen as opposing the initiatives of former President Mokgweetsi Masisi. This, according to Mogomotsi, has caused further frustration within the local film community, who feel they are being coerced into backing a project that they believe undermines the potential of Botswana’s own creative talents.
The Botswana Film Association and Botswana Screen Society’s call for the termination of the deal signals growing concern over the direction of the country’s entertainment sector. As it stands, the local film industry remains in need of strong, sustainable support structures that focus on nurturing and promoting local talent rather than relying on foreign-funded projects.
While the government has previously expressed its commitment to developing the entertainment industry, the latest developments have sparked a renewed debate about the best path forward for fostering local creativity and ensuring that Botswana’s filmmakers are given a fair opportunity to thrive.
